India Expresses Concern Over Venezuela Developments After US Captures President Maduro

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New Delhi, Jan 4, 2025: India on Sunday said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, describing the developments as a matter of “deep concern,” a day after United States special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India reaffirmed its support for the “well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela” and called upon all parties to address issues peacefully through dialogue to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The MEA also said that the Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance.

The statement followed a dramatic US military operation in which American forces launched overnight air strikes and captured Maduro, bringing an end to his 12-year rule. Maduro, who reportedly had a $50 million US bounty on his head, was flown to New York along with his wife to face charges related to drugs and weapons.

US President Donald Trump shared images on social media showing Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded aboard a US naval vessel in the Caribbean. Trump later said he monitored the operation live from his Mar-a-Lago residence, likening it to watching a television show.

Venezuela’s opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado hailed the development as the country’s “hour of freedom” and called for the opposition’s candidate from the 2024 election to immediately assume the presidency. However, Trump dismissed speculation about Machado’s leadership role, claiming she lacked sufficient support within Venezuela.